Nutrition For Pre-Term And SGA Infants (Certified)

What you'll learn
Understand the unique nutritional needs of pre-term and SGA infants.
Differentiate between intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), SGA, and pre-term birth.
Learn the role of breast milk, donor milk, and fortified formulas in neonatal care.
Explore parenteral and enteral feeding strategies in NICU settings.
Recognize micronutrient supplementation needs (iron, calcium, vitamin D, etc.).
Understand long-term metabolic and neurodevelopmental implications of early nutrition.
Apply evidence-based feeding protocols to optimize growth and immunity.
Gain insights into ethical and cultural considerations in neonatal feeding.
Requirements
No Prior Knowledge Is Required.
Description
Pre-term and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants represent some of the most vulnerable populations in neonatal care. Their survival, growth, and long-term health outcomes depend heavily on tailored nutritional strategies that meet their unique physiological needs. This course, Nutrition for Pre-term and SGA Infants, is designed to equip healthcare professionals and students with the knowledge and skills to optimize neonatal nutrition in both hospital and community settings.We begin by understanding the definitions, causes, and challenges faced by pre-term and SGA infants. You will learn the distinct energy, protein, and micronutrient requirements of these infants and how their immature digestive and metabolic systems influence feeding approaches. Breast milk remains the gold standard, but we also explore donor human milk, fortification, and specialized formulas that play a critical role in supporting growth.The course dives into parenteral and enteral feeding strategies used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), highlighting best practices for transitioning infants from tube feeding to independent feeding. Micronutrient supplementation, including iron, calcium, vitamin D, and the role of probiotics, is discussed in detail to prevent deficiencies and support development.Growth monitoring, catch-up strategies, and long-term developmental outcomes are emphasized, along with case studies that bring real-world challenges to life. You will also gain practical insights into parental counseling, ethical considerations, and the latest innovations in neonatal nutrition, including nutrigenomics and AI-driven monitoring.Whether you are a nutritionist, pediatrician, nurse, or student, this course will deepen your expertise and empower you to make informed, evidence-based decisions that can transform the lives of vulnerable newborns. By the end of this journey, you'll be able to apply clinical guidelines, assess feeding challenges, and support both infants and families with confidence.
Who this course is for
Anyone interested in neonatal and infant nutrition
Medical and nutrition students
Clinical nutritionists and dietitians
Pediatricians and neonatologists
Nursing professionals in NICUs
Public health nutrition experts
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